Rule #3-Become Fanatically Focused on Others
1 Corinthians 13
The Nature of Love…
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- Love is ultimate.
- It is the central characteristic of the Christian life.
- Love is selfless.
- It seeks the good of others.
- Love is active.
- It is about actions and not just feelings.
- Love is exemplified in the cross of Christ.
- It is based on mercy, not merit.
- Love is empowered by the Spirit of Christ.
- It is not natural, but supernatural.
The Marks of Love…
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Are you patient with others? Are you kind to others?
- Are you envious of what others have? Do you boast about what you have?
- Are you ever arrogant before others? Are you ever rude to others?
- Do you want things your own way? Are you irritable when things don’t go your way?
- Do you keep any record of others’ wrongs?
- Do you find any pleasure when others do wrong? Do you rejoice when others do right?
- Do you keep loving even when it’s hard or difficult?
- Do you trust God and have hope in the midst of tough circumstances?
- Do you endure trials with others?
Going Deeper:
- How does the culture describe love? How does it define love? How does this contrast from how Scripture describes and defines love?
- Read John 13:34-35. Jesus states that the mark of His followers should be their love. Why is this important? What prevents us from being known by our love for others? Are these characteristics of love listed in verses 4-7 evident in your interactions with people? Which ones are least evident? How can you by God’s grace begin to strengthen these areas of weakness?
- In order to truly show Christian love towards others, we must first receive Christ’s love. However, some people struggle with receiving His love. Why? In the face of such reasons, how can someone learn to receive the love of Christ?
- Pick your favorite verse from 1 Corinthians 13 and memorize it.
Rev. Brandon Dasinger
Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions